Menu
20/08/2008
Teen Drinking Initiative Highlighted
Underage drinking and more general abuse of alcohol has been targeted in a high level meeting between the NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey and senior representatives of the supermarkets.
The meetings - part of the development of a cross-sectoral, integrated action plan on the issue - are aimed at tackling young people's drinking.
Speaking this week, following a meeting with Justin King, Chief Executive of Sainsbury's, the Minister said: "I believe that the alcohol and licensed trade industries have a key role to play in helping us address the issue of young people's drinking - particularly in relation to helping restrict the supply of alcohol to our children and young people.
"My meeting was very useful, and I am encouraged to hear of their commitment to schemes such as 'Challenge 21' and their desire to help reduce the level of underage drinking in society.
"I have now met with all the major supermarkets that operate in Northern Ireland - and I am extremely pleased that they are keen to work pro-actively with us. They are taking this issue seriously and doing a lot of good work.
"A co-ordinated approach is the only way to tackle this issue," he said, noting that further work still needs to be taken forward.
"I believe that through my discussions with the supermarkets and the wider licensed trade we have made a very positive and encouraging start."
The Minister added: "My Department is leading on the development of a cross-government action plan that will seek to reduce young people’s demand for alcohol, further restrict the supply of alcohol to those under 18, and ensure appropriate treatment and support services are in place from those who require additional help."
The Department will continue to take forward meetings with key stakeholders over the summer, and it is anticipated that that the Young People's Drinking Action Plan will be published in the autumn.
Included in this will be the existing voluntary 'Challenge 21' initiative, whereby retailers and licensees seek proof of age from anybody who appears to be under the age of 21.
(BMcC)
The meetings - part of the development of a cross-sectoral, integrated action plan on the issue - are aimed at tackling young people's drinking.
Speaking this week, following a meeting with Justin King, Chief Executive of Sainsbury's, the Minister said: "I believe that the alcohol and licensed trade industries have a key role to play in helping us address the issue of young people's drinking - particularly in relation to helping restrict the supply of alcohol to our children and young people.
"My meeting was very useful, and I am encouraged to hear of their commitment to schemes such as 'Challenge 21' and their desire to help reduce the level of underage drinking in society.
"I have now met with all the major supermarkets that operate in Northern Ireland - and I am extremely pleased that they are keen to work pro-actively with us. They are taking this issue seriously and doing a lot of good work.
"A co-ordinated approach is the only way to tackle this issue," he said, noting that further work still needs to be taken forward.
"I believe that through my discussions with the supermarkets and the wider licensed trade we have made a very positive and encouraging start."
The Minister added: "My Department is leading on the development of a cross-government action plan that will seek to reduce young people’s demand for alcohol, further restrict the supply of alcohol to those under 18, and ensure appropriate treatment and support services are in place from those who require additional help."
The Department will continue to take forward meetings with key stakeholders over the summer, and it is anticipated that that the Young People's Drinking Action Plan will be published in the autumn.
Included in this will be the existing voluntary 'Challenge 21' initiative, whereby retailers and licensees seek proof of age from anybody who appears to be under the age of 21.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
08 July 2024
People Attending Parades Urged To 'Not Let Alcohol Ruin Their Day'
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has called on people attending this years Twelfth of July celebrations to "not let alcohol ruin their day". The PHA has urged anyone choosing to use alcohol to "keep an eye on their drinking by making a sensible plan and sticking to it".
People Attending Parades Urged To 'Not Let Alcohol Ruin Their Day'
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has called on people attending this years Twelfth of July celebrations to "not let alcohol ruin their day". The PHA has urged anyone choosing to use alcohol to "keep an eye on their drinking by making a sensible plan and sticking to it".
14 December 2011
Crack Down On 'Litter Louts' And Boozers
Officials in Belfast have been cracking down on many offenders across the city including those responsible for littering the streets. A pub landlord has been fined £250 for failing to properly dispose of waste at his city centre pub.
Crack Down On 'Litter Louts' And Boozers
Officials in Belfast have been cracking down on many offenders across the city including those responsible for littering the streets. A pub landlord has been fined £250 for failing to properly dispose of waste at his city centre pub.
20 September 2011
Dog Attack Man Faces Court Fine
A 'Staffie' dog attack has landed a Belfast man in court. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £300 compensation after his dog attacked and injured a man last December. Robert Gary Bradshaw, from Orkney Street in west Belfast, was convicted of the offence at Belfast Magistrates Court today and was also ordered to pay costs of £69.
Dog Attack Man Faces Court Fine
A 'Staffie' dog attack has landed a Belfast man in court. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £300 compensation after his dog attacked and injured a man last December. Robert Gary Bradshaw, from Orkney Street in west Belfast, was convicted of the offence at Belfast Magistrates Court today and was also ordered to pay costs of £69.
10 August 2011
Dogs & Cigarette Sales Lead To Court
Belfast City Council has been busy enforcing legislation on a variety of matters, ranging from shopkeepers selling tobacco to underage customers to dog owners running foul of the law.
Dogs & Cigarette Sales Lead To Court
Belfast City Council has been busy enforcing legislation on a variety of matters, ranging from shopkeepers selling tobacco to underage customers to dog owners running foul of the law.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly dry day, a few showers along the north coast, mainly in the morning. Some sunny spells, best in the south. Cold northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Any north coast showers dying out with clear periods leading to a frost, and perhaps one or two mist and fog patches. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
